Post-concussive syndrome and blood pressure: A pilot project
LE3 .A278 2012
2012
MacLeod, James
Acadia University
Bachelor of Kinesiology
Honours
Kinesiology
Concussions are an increasingly prevalent injury within the sporting world and considered by many to be the most challenging injury that physicians and therapists face. The purpose of this pilot project was to examine the factors in determining whether implementing relaxed and proper breathing techniques in an exercise regime, more specifically a yoga program, would promote a more rapid recovery in post- concussive individuals. The study consisted of a total of six Acadia Varsity athletes, three post-concussive and three healthy. The research was gathered over a four-week time period and consisted of a yoga and resistance training program, three times a week for a duration of 60 minutes. Physiological variables such as heart rate and blood pressure were continually monitored throughout the exercise session. Additionally, symptom trajectory was evaluated through the use of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool2, medical evaluation card. The major conclusion from this research was that every individual responds to concussion management protocols differently. Thus, with the expected course of concussion resolution being unknown, uniform management guidelines will vary from person to person. The study did reveal improvements in post-concussive signs and symptoms in both post-concussive athletes who participated in the yoga program. This research suggests that aerobic exercise more specifically yoga, a form of complementary and alternative medicine, may be an effective approach in rehabilitating athletes. However, due to the nature of the study and limitations inherent to any preliminary research, the results are insignificant. Further research with a larger sample size, and a greater control over the extraneous variables could prove to be beneficial in improving allotted recovery times in post-concussive athletes.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:902